To Hold Forever

by Carrie Carr

  "Huh?"

  Lex grinned at her. "I call her Mine."

  "Okaaay." Amanda drew the word out. "Isn't that a silly name for a horse?"

  "Nope. I bet Lorrie would agree with me." Lex patted Mine's neck again. "Lorrie, do you like this horse?"

  The little girl grinned, looking like a miniature of her momma. "Yep. Mine!"

  "See? Perfect name." Lex couldn't keep the satisfied look off her face. "Lorrie, do you want to help me feed the horses?"

  "Yep!" Lorrie squirmed until Amanda put her down. She happily followed Lex into the feed room while Amanda continued to pet Mine.

  "You poor thing. I have a feeling you've gotten a new owner." She laughed as Mine bumped her in the chest with her nose. "Don't blame me, I only raise them."

  LATER THAT AFTERNOON, Amanda and Lorrie were in the kitchen putting together a puzzle, while Lex went over the ranch's books. The front door slammed. Seated at her desk in the office, Lex was about to go investigate when Cleve strode into the room. "What do you want?" She noticed the cut and fading bruises on his face. "What the hell happened to you?"

  "I came for my check." He pointed at his broken nose. "Don't act like you don't know about this. Those assholes at the bunkhouse worked me over. I bet you got a good laugh out of it."

  "You want your check? Fine." Lex took her checkbook from the top drawer and quickly filled it out. She tore off the top page and thrust it at him. "Take it." She put her pen down and pushed away from the desk. "When did this happen?"

  "The day they took you to the hospital." He lurched forward and placed his hands on the desk. "I hope you paid them well, because I plan on suing your ass for it."

  Lex leaned in her chair. "I do pay them well, because they do a good job. Unlike you. And for the record, I had nothing to do with it." She smirked. "Although it only helped your looks."

  "Bitch!" He raked his hand over the table top and scattered the contents to the floor. "I should have done more to you out there than leave. Maybe worked you over."

  Amanda stood in the doorway. She had heard the commotion and came to see what was going on. "Lex, what is he talking about?"

  It wasn't the way Lex wanted to tell Amanda. They had yet to discuss her ordeal. "Can we talk about this later?"

  "No, I'd like to hear it, now."

  He spun and gave Amanda a cocky grin. "I'm the one who found her. Out there." He took a step closer. "You should have seen her. Hanging by one hand to that worthless horse, begging for help. I should have got off my ride and knocked her around some more. She couldn't even stand up. It was great."

  Amanda's eyes sparkled with hatred. "And you left her there like that?" She turned her gaze to Lex. "Why didn't you tell me?"

  "We haven't talked about it. It's kind of embarrassing." Lex started to get to her feet, but Amanda's upraised hand forestalled her.

  "Lex, could you give Cleve and me a minute?"

  The patter of small feet caused them all to look behind Amanda. Lorrie peeked around her mother's legs to see what was happening. "Mommy? Who dat?"

  "No one, baby." Amanda clasped the top of Lorrie's head against her in a protective gesture.

  "Mommy mad?" Leave it to a child to see to the heart of things. Lorrie nervously stuck a thumb in her mouth and stared at Cleve. "Who you?"

  Cleve took another step toward Amanda and Lorrie. "Can't you shut that brat up?"

  Amanda backed up, taking Lorrie with her. She didn't like the look in his eyes, and she could smell the alcohol on his breath. "Don't come any closer."

  Lex cleared her throat. In a deceptively soft voice, she spoke to her wife. "Sweetheart, would you mind taking Lorrie into the kitchen? I don't think she needs to be around our guest."

  "All right." Amanda didn't want to leave Lex, but knew her top priority was their daughter's safety. "Holler if you need anything." She picked up Lorrie and slowly backed out of the room.

  Lex waited until they were gone. She stood, picked up her cane and shoved the end of it into Cleve's chest. "I've had about all I can stand of you, you little pissant. I've put up with a lot of your bullshit, because I thought I owed you something. But your free ride is over." She punctuated her words with a poke of the cane. "If-- you-- ever-- yell at my daughter again, I'll kick your ass all over the place."

  "Is that a threat?" He glared at her. "Because if it is--"

  She dropped the cane on the desk and grabbed him by the front of his coat. Her voice dropped so low he could almost feel it in his bones. "Oh no, asshole. That wasn't a threat. It was a promise." Lex released him and stepped away. "Now get out before I call the sheriff and have you thrown in jail for trespassing."

  He couldn't resist a final dig. "You know, I bet that girlfriend of yours is a sweet piece of ass. All she needs is a good man to show her what she's missing." The look in her eyes froze him. Cleve crumbled up the check and tucked it in his coat pocket. "You can have her. I don't need this shit." Deciding that a retreat was better than facing his half-sister, he straightened his coat and left.

  When she heard the front door slam, Lex fell against the desk and sat on the edge. Her hands shook, and it took all her self-control not to follow Cleve and tear him apart. Soft footsteps approaching calmed her instantly.

  Amanda, holding Lorrie, walked in and took her place next to her lover. "Are you all right? Charlie's on his way."

  Lex leaned into her and closed her eyes. "I'm fine. Mad as hell, though." She smiled slightly when she felt tiny hands on her head. Raising her face, she kissed Lorrie's fingers when they touched her lips. "Hey there, lil' bit."

  "Love Momma." Lorrie stretched and put her arms around Lex's neck, causing her to take her.

  "I love you too, Lorrie. You're such a sweet girl."

  Lorrie nodded. "Me good." She gave Lex a slobbery kiss on the lips.

  All of Lex's anger faded into nothing. This was what mattered, not some idiot who thought the world owed him. No, she'd let life handle Cleve. She was content to bask in the love of her family.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  FREEDOM. LEX REVELED in it. A month after her accident, things were finally returning to normal for her. Her shoulder hadn't given her any trouble for well over a week. She still wore a brace on her right knee, but that was more for Amanda's benefit than her own. She was glad to be on her own again. It was nice, spending extra time with her partner and their daughter, but she couldn't stop the happiness that bounced inside of her as she walked into the old feed store.

  A hearty voice hailed her from the back of the store. Three old men sat in one corner. "Hey there, young 'un. Haven't seen you around." Claude picked the old coffee can off the floor beside him and spit into it. "We heard you had a little trouble awhile back."

  His brother, Ted, grabbed another chair for Lex. "You're looking pretty good, considering we heard you was half dead."

  "Where did you hear something like that?" Lex took the offered seat. "Thanks."

  Ted took off his sweat-stained Stetson and scratched his head. "You know how things are around here. Get a hangnail and suddenly folks got you at death's door."

  "Ain't that the damned truth." Jesse noticed the brace on her leg. "Heard tell it was more than a hangnail, though."

  Lex stretched her right leg out slowly. Her knee did bother her a little, but she decided to keep that information to herself. Amanda worried enough as it was. "Yeah, I messed my knee and shoulder up a little, but nothing too serious. What exactly did y'all hear?"

  "Roy came in the same week it happened, and he talked to Tom at the front counter. Tom told us that you were practically crushed under a horse, and spent days out in the weather."

  Good grief. Now she understood how little stories got so quickly out of hand. Tom was a worse gossip than the ladies at the Auxiliary Hall. She'd have to warn Roy about him. "Actually, we stumbled into a sinkhole. I spent the night out there, but it certainly wasn't as horrible as you heard." She released a heavy sigh. "Damned Tom."

  Claude slapped her on
the back. "Glad to see you in one piece, girl." He gave her a sly look. "Oh, and congratulations, by the way."

  "For?"

  "That new young 'un that's on the way. We heard that gal of yours is having a baby." Claude winked at her. "Keep it up and you're going to have to build a bigger house."

  Lex couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks. We're pretty excited about it." Nothing surprised her about these old men. She had grown up around them, and although she never told them about her lifestyle, they didn't blink an eye about her and Amanda. She wished the people her own age were as accepting. "You guys are better than the Somerville Times-Dispatch. Who needs to read the paper as long as you're around?"

  They were interrupted when a young man came up to Lex. "I've got all that stuff loaded for you, Lex. Dad says he put it on your bill."

  "Thanks, Bobby." As much as she enjoyed the men's company, she also wanted to get the supplies to Roy. She rose from her chair. "Guess that's my cue to leave, guys. Try to stay out of trouble."

  Jesse swatted her leg with his hat. "We're not the ones who are always getting into things, kid. Keep yourself in one piece."

  She tipped her hat. "Easier said than done, friend. But I'll do my best." With a quick wave, Lex left the comfort of the feed store. She decided on one more stop before going to the ranch.

  THE SQUALLING BOY was beginning to get on his nerves. Michael was gratified he was almost finished with this particular portrait. The child, nearly two years old, was spoiled and demanding. He wore a cute Dalmatian puppy costume, which was completely out of character with his temperament. The worst thing was how the mother acted. She whined and begged the child to behave.

  "Snookums, be a good widdle boy for mommy-kins. Daddywaddy wants your picture for his office. You're such a handsome boy." She rubbed her hand over the child's head, causing the cotton hood, complete with cloth ears, to slide. "That's right. Mommy will give you a new toy if you'll sit still for the nice man." She batted her eyes at Michael. "Have you ever seen such a beautiful child?"

  Michael summoned his old boardroom demeanor to maintain a professional air, despite having to fight the urge to gag. He thought the boy would be better served by wearing some sort of mask, but kept his opinion to himself. "He is something, all right." He took several more shots, hoping that his lens would stay intact from the view. "All done." The boy grabbed a plastic pumpkin and began to chew on it. As far as Michael was concerned, the prop would be tossed in the trash the moment his client left.

  "Mr. Cauble, thank you for working with us on such short notice. My little Andrew is so precious, we wanted a nice picture to commemorate Halloween this year."

  Michael handed her his card. He had gotten all of her information down before the shoot. It was a lesson learned a long time ago. Anytime a child was involved in the photograph, filling out the paperwork before getting started made things much easier. "I'll give you a call when the proofs are ready, Mrs. Davis." He did his best to ignore the child racing around the room, barking like a dog.

  "Thank you. Come along, precious. It's time for din-din." Mrs. Davis reached for the door. Her son growled and barked and ran into the woman who held the door open for them.

  Lex looked down at the child. He had his hands wrapped around her leg and continued to bark. "Have I come at a bad time?"

  Mrs. Davis took in Lex's appearance. Her jeans, cowboy boots and a blue and white flannel shirt were well-worn, and the black western hat sat low over her eyes. Everything about her screamed cowhand and Mrs. Davis wanted no part of her. "We were leaving. Let's go, darling." She took her son by the arm and pulled him from the office.

  "I thought there was a leash law inside the city limits." Lex removed her hat. "Didn't know you were into pet shots."

  "Ha, ha. Very funny." Michael took an antibacterial wipe and proceeded to clean his hands. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what brings you into town today?"

  She took a seat and stretched her legs out in front of her. "Had a few errands to run and thought I'd drop by and see if you were free for lunch."

  "I'd love to. Give me a second to clean up." Michael went into the adjacent bathroom and washed his hands thoroughly. He didn't think he'd ever get the feel of Andrew's slobber from his skin.

  The walk to the restaurant was pleasant for both of them. Lex related Lorrie's latest antics. Her daughter had recently discovered the joys of climbing. Unfortunately, her favorite place was the kitchen. The drawers were perfect for pulling out and making a ladder and Lorrie caused Martha to lose her composure when she caught her sitting on the counter.

  "I imagine poor Martha almost had a heart attack." Michael held the door open for Lex, ignoring the wry look his action brought. "Where was Amanda during all of this?"

  Lex nodded to the hostess, who led them to a table near the window. She took off her hat and placed it in an empty chair. "She was, um, helping me in the hay barn." They didn't get much hay stacked, but both of them returned, hours later, covered with straw.

  Michael loved the blush that had worked its way across Lex's face. "I bet I don't want to know what kind of help you're talking about, do I?"

  "Ahem." Lex opened her menu. "I think I'll have the chicken fried steak. What about you?"

  The rest of the meal was spent sharing stories. Lex filled Michael in on how Amanda's pregnancy was progressing. "I'm not even allowed to mention food before noon. God help me if she smells breakfast on my breath." She took a sip of her iced tea. "Hell, the other day, I had been in the kitchen while Martha cooked. I guess some of the smell clung to my clothes. When I went upstairs, Amanda made me shower and change."

  He commiserated, having been through it twice himself. "At least she's talking to you. Elizabeth was so mad at me when she found out she was pregnant with Jeannie, she relegated me to the guest room for nine months. That was a blessing in disguise."

  "Yeah." Lex remembered all too well what a monster her motherin-law was. She used her fork to stack individual kernels of corn around her mashed potatoes. "I wish there was something more I could do for Amanda. I hate seeing her so miserable."

  Michael placed his hand on her arm. "She's going to be fine. The morning sickness will leave as quickly as it came, trust me. Now, to change the subject a little, Lorrie's birthday is coming up. Do you have any plans?"

  "Nothing definite yet. Although Amanda and I have talked about having a party and inviting all her friends from the daycare."

  "That sounds like a lot of work. Why would you want to subject yourselves to that?"

  Lex continued to play with her food. The mashed potatoes were now mountains and had a gravy river going through them. "I want Lorrie to have all the opportunities that I didn't. I was so isolated at the ranch and never had a chance to make friends my own age." She looked him in the eyes. "I'll be damned if I let that happen to her. I'll sell the ranch and move into town, if that's what it takes."

  The vehemence in her tone surprised Michael. He knew Lex was dedicated to her family, but to hear her discount the one thing that defined her, shocked him to his core. To think of Lex not living on the ranch was incomprehensible. "I don't think you'll have to go to that extreme, Lex. You and Amanda are doing everything possible to give Lorrie everything she needs. And I think living on the ranch is a big part of that."

  "Why? Wouldn't she be better off in town, so she could make friends easier?"

  "Not necessarily." He wiped his mouth on his napkin. "There are so many ways kids can get into trouble these days."

  "Are you talking about drugs?"

  He waved her off. "No. Well, that too. But I meant inactivity. They have their video games, movies and generally hundreds of things that cause them to plant their butts on the couch. Kids get bored so easily. Living out on the ranch is a great deterrent to being lazy."

  Lex couldn't agree more. She couldn't think of a time, as a kid, that she was ever bored. There was always something to do. "I never thought about it that way." She took out her wallet and placed some cash
on the table. "Thanks."

  "Anytime. Now," he stood and stretched, "tell me what I can get my granddaughter for her birthday." He followed Lex out of the restaurant, while they discussed the appropriate gifts for a certain three-year old.

  "GRAMMA, PLEASE. DO you honestly think we can get her to wear that?" Amanda vetoed the cute yellow dress. She had spent the entire morning shopping with her grandmother while Lorrie was at the daycare. "Every time I try to put her in a dress, she strips it off within five minutes and races around the house in her underwear."

  Anna Leigh put the frock on the rack. "That's a shame. She'd look so adorable in ruffles. Although, I shouldn't be too surprised. You were like that at her age." She smiled at the woman who had been assisting them. They had found out, quite accidentally, that she had gone to school with Lex. Her insight into Lex's early years made their shopping experience much more interesting.

  The saleswoman held up a pair of denim overalls. "What about this? If she's anything like Lex, I think something along these lines would be more her style."

  Amanda wasn't paying attention to the selection, but focused on what the clerk said. "What do you mean by that?"

  "Don't get me wrong. I think the world of Lex. But she is a little, shall we say, rough and tumble? She was the biggest tomboy in school. She was never in anything but boots and jeans. And those god-awful tee shirts. She'd always hide under that ugly cowboy hat, too. I'd hazard to guess that her attitude influences your daughter."

  "Excuse me?" Amanda brushed off Anna Leigh's hand, which touched her arm in an attempt to calm her. "There's not a damned thing wrong with how Lex dresses." She tossed the clothes she held on a nearby chair. "Let's go, Gramma. There are better places than this to shop."

  Anna Leigh cocked an eyebrow at the surprised clerk. "I would advise you to learn a little tact in the future, young woman. Your next customer might not be so forgiving." She hurried to catch up with Amanda, who paced outside the door to the shop.